US Bridges

Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Kansas · 2.0N 4.0E of Pfeifer · Structure no. 000000000260590

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary in Ellis County, Kansas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 35 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChetolah Gold Road
CrossesSmoky Hill Tributary
Location2.0N 4.0E of Pfeifer
RouteCounty Highway 1645
CountyEllis County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.74039, -99.09042
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic35 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Chetolah Gold Road over Smoky Hill Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.